Introducing Sojourner McConnell, author and book blogger

I am proud to introduce to you author, reviewer and blogger Sojourner McConnell. She is also one of the three brilliant minds behind Mystery Thriller Week, one of the best book events I’ve had the pleasure of participating in. I am a fan of her writing and thrilled to help share the release of her first children’s book, Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas?, with you all today!

Introducing Sojourner McConnell

I am Sojourner McConnell. I am a mother of three and after a lifetime of dreaming about it, I published for the first time in 2012. That was a YA book, The Path of the Child, which shared the story of a neglected teenage girl with no social interaction which made her stilted and shy. I enjoy having people read this story. I have participated in several anthologies, The Power of Forgiveness and 31 Days in October, with a ghost story and whimsical cat. Most recently on June 2nd, I released my first children’s book, Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas? which is the story of a magical umm cat. It is the first in the Dolcey Series. It has been an exciting transition.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would love to go to the Mediterranean and see where Paul preached, where Odysseus sailed, the homes and inhabitants of Pompey, the ruins of Greece, and the home of the Oracle. I would spend at least a month there.

Why do you write the kinds of books you do?

The characters come to me loudly in my head and steer me in the direction. They provide their character traits and sometimes their faces. Sometimes, a child asks me to write a book she can read. So, I did.

Tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with writing?

Sometimes I get in a mood and I binge watch You Tube videos about Extra Terrestrials, Ancient Egypt, and Hollywood biographies.

What are you passionate about, aside from writing?

I am a passionate person. I get super involved in everything I do. Mystery Thriller Week, Genealogy, studying History. My family and their happiness. All these are my passions.

Do you read books by other authors when working on a first draft, or do you prefer not to?

I read daily, I read several books at a time, one on the computer one on my Kindle and a paperback. I do not stop reading even when I am writing a first draft. I don’t believe the reading leeches into the writing.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a book called Blip. It is about an alien that has become a blip on the screen of the Government because he has a bit of wanderlust. It will probably end up being another YA book which is fine with me. I enjoy writing about young people with problems. I am also working on the second book in the Dolcey series.

Today, I have Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas? releasing on Amazon and in online books stores all over the world. I am so excited. My granddaughter asked me to write a story that she could read and I told her I would. After four months, I finally have it written, illustrated, and published. It is a wonderful adventure. My first time to write specifically for children and I must say, I loved it enough that I am busy on the second book in the series. Dolcey is a “non-cat” disguised as a cat to help a young girl facing a huge problem. Dolcey comes to her. This book is written for children 4-12 years old. I hope children and parents love it and want to follow along in her adventures. There are surprises, magic, and positive attitudes filling each page, along with beautiful illustrations provided by Ellie Barrett. I got my first shipment of books yesterday and was tickled to see it in paperback. It looked and made it feel so real. Nothing like the feel and smell of a new book!

What motivated you to start a book review blog?

I had been sick and unable to read, once I was better I began to read again and then I wrote a few simple lame reviews. I put a little more effort into them and people started liking them. I had an old blog I wasn’t using, so I shared the reviews on there and I loved it. I began reviewing and sharing them with a passion.

Why do you love writing reviews?

I find so much in books that make me excited, learn, grow, and be more well-rounded. I want others to find that joy too.

How do you choose books to review?

I read the back blurb and I also agree to do reviews for new authors. But they must entice me. I want to be wooed by a book description. No one knows more than I how hard a good book blurb is to write.

Sojourner McConnell lives in Kentucky with 3 of her 13 grandchildren and her Australian Shepherd, Beau. She reviews all genre of books on The Page Turner and shares her own and other writers writing experiences on her blog, The Path of the Writer.

Thank you for asking me such intriguing questions, Now I want to go to the Mediterranean even more. I really appreciate you spreading the word about Who’s That in the Cat Pajamas? It is an exciting day for Dolcey and me.

You can buy all of my novels on TripFiction's fantastic website for books strong in setting! Proud to see The Lover's Portrait chosen as 1 of their "10 Favorite Books set in Amsterdam".

Sign up for my monthly newsletter to be notified of new releases, giveaways, and recent blog posts.

Despite Zelda’s best efforts to just relax and enjoy her trip, thrilling mysteries pop up at every turn. Will she ever be able to go on holiday without it turning into an international incident?

Travel from the dusty, tout-filled streets and holy sites of Nepal to the sultry metropolises and picture-perfect beaches of Thailand, as Zelda and Ian try to outsmart the smugglers and escape Asia alive.

Notes of a Naive Traveler is a must-read for those interested in learning more about – or wishing to travel to – Nepal and Thailand. Available as eBook and paperback.

Watch the book trailer for The Lover's Portrait: An Art Mystery on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and Goodreads.

Follow Zelda Richardson through Amsterdam on Google Maps

Proud to see Rituals of the Dead in Women Writers, Women's Books Library! You can also find The Lover's Portrait in their 2017 Library.

Find my books on Book Hippo!

Rituals of the Dead is included in Amy Shannon's Top 10 Books of 2018 list and I am on her Top 20 Authors of 2018 list :).